Introduction:
The cultural-generation gap is getting wider and wider every
day. Every day the media, society, and peers shape the values, attitudes, and
behaviors of our kids. So what to do? How do we slow down the growing
disconnect between parents & kids? Parents must work to survey their
surroundings with passion and a desire for deeper understanding. Kids must
learn to develop a sense of trust and respect for their parents while
endeavoring to do what is right.
I. Obstacles to closing the gap.
A.
I’m scared.
1.
Raising
& relating to kids is difficult & can be quite frightening.
2.
Yes…our
world is scary. And yes, we are not to be involved in sin.
a)
Titus
2:11-12 – must teach our kids that Christians live in but are not of the world.
3.
Mt.
5:13-16 – Jesus has called us to be salt/light by learning how to live in
the world – not be of the world.
4.
Mt.
10:16 – Jesus has called us to be sheep in the midst of wolves.
B.
Not
now…I’m busy.
1.
Ecc.
3:1 – there is an appointed time for everything. There is a time for
raising kids.
2.
If
you were to take an inventory of how you spend your time – what would you
learn about your priorities?
C.
I
Didn’t Know!
1.
Many
parents deeply care about their kids. Yet are naïve about youth culture.
2.
We
need to immerse ourselves in being aware of what our kids are watching on TV,
listening to on their IPOD, and viewing on a computer screen.
D.
It can’t
be that bad, really.
1.
Not
all elements of contemporary culture are negative or dangerous. But…
2.
Parents
who deny the power of culture handicap themselves when they could be helping
their kids grow into more godly examples.
II.
Unchanging principles that bridge
the gap.
A.
Understanding
the world of kids is primarily a parents calling.
1.
Parents
are called by God to teach the truth of God’s word by precept & example. Eph.
6:1-4; Deut. 6:5-9; 11:18-21
B.
It
is never too early. Youth culture doesn’t just affect teens.
1.
Pro.
22:6 – Take conscious & informed steps to put God’s word into the
lives of our kids.
C.
It
is never too late.
1.
Hurt
& heartache rule some homes and parents are haunted by guilt. Is it too
late?
2.
The
Christian may be hurting, but is not hopeless – 1 Peter 5:7.
3.
The
Christian doesn’t give up – because he prays about it – and his
hope is in Almighty God. James 5:16b
D.
Understand
it will not be easy.
1.
Read
literature written about the world of your teens.
2.
Watch
programs and videos that are popular with your kids.
3.
Visit
the internet sites they visit.
4.
Don’t
be afraid to ask questions.
5.
Get
information.
E.
Understanding
youth culture equips parents to pass on their faith. (Deut 6:7)
Conclusion:
A.
How
is your relationship with Christ?